Leaders Voluntarily Agree not to Gather in Large Congregations and to Perform Eid Namaz from Home

Port Blair, May 13: The District Administration is taking all necessary precautions to tackle and control the surge of Covid Cases in South Andaman. As a part of such measures, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Commissioner (SA) held a meeting with Muslim religious leaders to discuss course of action during Eid-ul-Fitr, visited Urban Health Centres at Shadipur and Dairyfarm and distributed ration kits in Old Pahargaon containment zone.

The DC (SA) informed the leaders about rising Covid cases in South Andaman and raised his concern over any large congregation that would lead to outbreak of the virus in the entire community. As such he requested them to perform Eid Namaz from their homes itself for the benefit of public at large. He further requested them to be cautious and take all necessary precautions during the festival by following the protocols and guidelines issued by the Administration. Considering the prevailing situations and the earnest request made by the DC (SA), the leaders voluntarily agreed to not gather in large congregations and to request their community to perform Eid Namaz from their home with family. Further they consented to co-operate with the Administration in all possible manner.

In order to break the COVID chain, religious leaders suggested for complete lockdown in areas of Bambooflat, Wimberley Gunj, Stewart Gunj, Mannarghat and Shoal Bay with effect from 15.05.2021. DC(SA) welcomed their suggestion and requested their co-operation for the same.

Further as part of the field visits, the DC(SA) along with SDM(SA) visited the Urban Health Centres at Shadipur and Dairyfarm and inquired about the status of vaccination, ILI/SARI cases, home quarantine, surveillance by field staff, ASHA and ANM workers in their respective areas. The DC(SA) further directed them to complete 100% vaccination of all persons above 45 in their area while following strict guidelines issued by GOI.

The DC(SA) along with SDM(SA), AC(U/T) also visited the containment zone in Old Pahargaon and distributed around 100 ration kits to labourers & daily wages earners as an immediate relief.

 The DC(SA) appealed to the general public to stay home for their own safety and also for the safety of entire South Andaman District and requested to join hands in the fight against Covid-19.